Judging by the reactions on social networks, it seems that the whole tennis world was glued to its seat during the victory of Novak Djokovic against Carlos Alcaraz in the final of the last tournament for the two tennis players before the United States Open. .
The three-and-a-half-hour duel between the two current titans of men’s tennis has set the stage for what could turn out to be the Flushing Meadows final, which kicks off on Monday.
The Cincinnati Masters final match, in which Djokovic saved a championship point in the second set and Alcaraz four in the third before falling 5-7, 7-6(7), 7-6(4), also symbolized the era of change that is hitting the sport, a year after Serena Williams’ farewell match in New York and the announcement of Roger Federer’s retirement a few weeks later.
At 20, Alcaraz is the new darling of the circuit. Winner of the American major in 2022, he collected a second Grand Slam title last month, winning the Wimbledon tournament against Djokovic. The 36-year-old Serbian, who has 23 Grand Slam titles, is the only member of the ‘Big Three’ still in action these days. Federer (20 titles) left the circuit, while Rafael Nadal (22 titles) has been sidelined since January due to a hip injury. He hopes to make a final lap in 2024.
“For many years, the sport was dominated by these legends. But time is intractable. Everyone has to take the next step at some point. This is what we unfortunately see with Serena, Roger, Rafa. There will be a transition period, said American Chris Eubanks, quarter-finalist at Wimbledon. It gives greater parity and it gives opportunities for other players, men or women, to find a place in the sun. »
Women’s No. 1 Iga Swiatek (22), No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka (25) and No. 4 Elena Rybakina (24) look destined to stay at the top for a long time. Swiatek has already won four Grand Slams, including Flushing Meadows last year. The other two have one each.
Despite everything, neither of them appears as Serena’s unequivocal heiress.
“There is a changing of the guard,” said Frenchwoman Caroline Garcia. There are young players, like Alcaraz and Iga, who are coming. »
Tennis leaders hope a few names will be added to this list.
“After some concern over the sport’s transition from this golden era, which has seen some of the best players of all time, male and female, compete against each other, in 2022 we have seen rising stars step in,” said Lew Sheer, CEO and Executive Director of the American Tennis Association (USTA).
Maybe. It is true that 10 different tennis players have won a Masters 1000 for the first time in the last three seasons.
“We are starting to see new faces in Grand Slams and Masters. This is the last step to dethroning players like Djokovic and Nadal. It’s coming, noted Quebecer Félix Auger-Aliassime, semi-finalist at Flushing Meadows two years ago. Carlos possibly initiated this changing of the guard. But Djokovic has certainly not said his last word. »
That’s the message Djokovic seemed to have sent to Cincinnati, where he tore his jersey before letting out a scream after defeating Alcaraz.
It is the ideal preparation for those who will return to the United States Open after a year’s absence. He was unable to participate in the tournament last year, unable to meet the vaccination requirements to enter the United States.
Djokovic said of his duel against Alcaraz that it reminded him of those against Nadal in their heyday some time ago.
“You never give up,” he told her shortly after the Spaniard had wiped away her tears on a towel. That’s what I love about you, but sometimes I wish you gave yourself less in certain areas. »
“I learn a lot from a champion like you,” replied Alcaraz deferentially.
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2023-08-24 04:01:13
#Tennis #Age #Transition
